Published: August 16, 2008 12:00 am            

Two-wheeled trek: Bicycling adventure takes couple 1,000 miles

Gavin Cannizzaro and Kim Rice believe if their marriage can survive a 1,000-mile, month-long bike trip from Norman to Eagle River, Wis., carrying two dogs, they can overcome just about any obstacle.

"If we could do this, we could do anything as a team," Cannizzaro said. "We got to know each other even better."

Cannizzaro, a computer programmer, and Rice, a Norman High School art teacher, were married in Eagle River two years ago, and Rice's grandparents own property near the community in northeast Wisconsin.

Cannizzaro said he and Rice had already planned a trip to the vacation spot. But they chose a transportation method that some would never consider.

"We had no car, and we had talked about taking a bike trip for a while," Cannizzaro said.

The couple decided this would be their first out-of-state bicycle excursion.

"I've always wanted to ride a bike cross country," Rice said. "It was my American dream."

Cannizzaro said he and Rice departed Norman June 4, packed with clothes, power bars, water bottles and two mutts named Basil and Cayenne. They arrived in Eagle River July 2, just in time for the Independence Day holiday.

"Our route took us one month exactly," Rice said.

Cannizzaro said he and Rice elected to travel roads and trails that would give them a scenic view of the heartland's countryside. They navigated Route 66 which led them through Luther, Tulsa, Miami and eventually through Springfield, Mo.

Rice said in Missouri, she and Cannizzaro rode through The Katy Trail, a bike path that stretches from western to eastern Missouri.

The weather conditions didn't make the trip any easier for the team. Strong winds, hot temperatures and heavy downpours overruled the forecast.

"We were following the horrible rain through the Midwest," she said, referring to the rainstorms that drenched parts of the state that caused severe flooding in towns that surrounded the Mississippi River. "We ended up having to stay in more motels for that reason."

Rice said she won't ever forget the northbound wind they encountered riding trails in Illinois.

"The wind really put me over the edge," she said.

Rice said the gusty winds were continuous from the time they crossed the state line until they left.

Cannizzaro said the wind was equivalent to riding uphill.

He said the route itself was full of stories that he and his wife will always remember.

"If you go on the highway, you stop in towns," he said. "Every little town has its claim for fame."

Rice agreed.

"It was interesting to see small town America and meet the people," she said.

Cannizzaro said they were greeted with smiles and friendly faces anytime they needed directions or water.

"I don't think we could have ever done that (the trip) without them," he said. "Maps are not as detailed as people."

Rice said before the trip to Eagle River, Oklahoma City was the farthest destination she had ever traveled riding a bike.

"I was very apprehensive towards the experience," she said. "If you get to your destination, it's rewarding."

Rice said their reason for not owning a vehicle, was their choice. After their vehicle broke down last year, instead of spending money for repairs, the husband and wife decided to set an example and become "car free."

"The reason we don't have a car is because we have chosen not to own a vehicle," Rice said. "We feel, especially in Norman, it's not a necessity. There's great transportation. We just don't want to support the oil companies."

Cannizzaro said it's easy to get around town and run errands using feet, not wheels.

"It's one, simple act we can do," Rice said.

The couple met when both were living in New Orleans, La. In 2005, they relocated to Norman when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.

"Obviously it's changed our lives, but it's been for the better," Cannizzaro said.

Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com

        

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